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 To the north of the
Grove Arcade area in downtown
Asheville is the
Basilica of Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr, built in 1909. A
Spanish Baroque Revival Roman Catholic Church built of red brick
with polychrome glazed terra-cotta inserts and limestone trim, it
was designed by world-famous architect/engineer Raphael Guastavino.
The church employs his “cohesive construction” techniques in its
large oval tile dome and Catalan-style vaulting in its two towers.
The massive stone foundations and
the solid brick superstructure give silent testimony to the
architect’s desire to build an edifice that would endure for
generations. There are no beams of wood or steel in the entire
structure; all walls, floors, ceilings and pillars are of tile or
other masonry
 materials. The dome is entirely self supporting, has a
clear span of 58 x 82 feet and is reputed to be the largest
unsupported dome in North America. The Crucifixion tableaux of the
Basilica altar features a rare example of seventeenth century
Spanish woodcarving. The windows are of German origin, and the
Basilica has two chapels. Attached by an arcade is the 1929
Neo-Tuscan Renaissance brick rectory designed by Father Michael of
Belmont Abbey. Self-guided tour brochures are available at the
church, and guided tours are given after Sunday masses.
Website:
Basilica of Saint Lawrence
Location:
Asheville NC
Address: 97 Haywood Street, Asheville NC 28801
Telephone: 828-252-6042
Admission: Free
Hours: Open daily to the public. The Basilica is an active
church, and note that masses may be in progress.
Mass Schedule: Sundays: 9 am, 12 & 5 pm; Mondays-Friday 7:30
am, 12:10 pm, Saturday 7:30 am, 5 pm.
Of Note: The windows in the Basilica, dating back to
turn-of-the-century Germany, are the most beautiful of all Asheville
churches and in season, the rose gardens in front of the Basilica
are absolutely spectacular. Make sure if you visit that you park
only in one of the church parking lots. Parking in other nearby lots
that are not church owned will put you in risk of towing. Church
lots are clearly marked.
Directions: From Pack Square go east on Broadway Street and
turn left onto College Street. Proceed to Pritchard Park and turn
right onto Haywood Street. The Basilica will be on your right.
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